Engineering control circuits for molecular robots using synthetic biology
Abstract
The integration of molecular robots and synthetic biology allows for the creation of sophisticated behaviors at the molecular level. Similar to the synergy between bioelectronics and soft robotics, synthetic biology provides control circuitry for molecular robots. By encoding perception-action modules within synthetic circuits, molecular machines can advance beyond repeating tasks to the incorporation of complex behaviors. In particular, cell-free synthetic biology provides biomolecular circuitry independent of living cells. This research update reviews the current progress in using synthetic biology as perception-action control modules in robots from molecular robots to macroscale robots. Additionally, it highlights recent developments in molecular robotics and cell-free synthetic biology and suggests their combined use as a necessity for future molecular robot development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1063/5.0020429
Entities
People
- Ting-yen Wei
- Warren C Ruder
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Carnegie Mellon University
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- University of Pittsburgh